Maybe a bungalow with a completely paved garden.

That is actually a very good idea for those near retirement or with a disability.

While a flat may seem a good idea because it's all on one level there is always the possibility that the lift (if there is one) may at times be out of order for several days.
I shall never forget a holiday we spent here some years ago, the flat was on the thirteenth floor with a lift that seemed to broken down every other day....it's no fun carrying bags of shopping up all those stairs, and if you have a dodgy knee or back it would be impossible!

We bought a bungalow here and we have never regretted that decision, it makes life so much easier.

Although it's sensible to plan such a major adventure, and that's what it is, there must come a time when you just pack a suitcase and come to Spain. You don't have to sell anything back home, far less buy anything when you arrive, all you need is your passport and rental accommodation to start with.

Then you can take your time to look around and ask questions of people already here, face to face rather than over the internet.

You can't do that on a two-week visit, or even a couple of months, six months at least will give you a far better idea.

What's six months or a year, when you are contemplating spending the rest of your life in a foreign country?

Best post so far. Should be the mantra whenever we get 'should I move to Spain' threads.

Just joined the forum - first post. All this is marvellous info for those of us at the beginning of the journey - we set off in July in our new motorvan to do the essential exploration before settling on a particular area. What is interesting is that I've seen a number of mentions of very short lets. Are these legal or "off the books", how common are they and does anyone have any idea what an apartment or villa might cost to rent for a few weeks? Any help appreciated. This is an extremely useful thread. Thank you to all who've contributed.

As Concierge for the Spanish section of BE I would like to say hello and welcome.

BE is a very large expat website, so if you have problems finding your way around we have concierges who will try to direct you. The moderators for the Spanish forums are Mitzyboy and Fred James, moderators are there to ensure that the site runs smoothly within the rules of BE. Problems and complaints should always be addressed to a moderador who will look into the matter and deal with it efficiently and fairly. Our members who post in the Spain Forums are friendly and helpful with a wealth of knowledge of the issues of living in Spain. At the top of the page you will find a quirkily named thread called Free Beer which is full of important and useful information. Hope you enjoy your time participating in the forums.

Please let me know if you need any further help.

Rosemary

July in a motorhome It will be very warm, unless you have aircon? There are many legal short term lets available. Prices will depend on location, location, location.

A huge thank you to everyone who replied. You have given us a lot to think about.

best regards

david

We have aircon Alicante in August last year convinced us that aircon is a non-negotiable feature of both van and future permanent home. Thank you for the info on short lets. That's very good news as I take the point about needing to live in a location prior to purchase. Whilst the van will enable us to roam Spain until we fall in love with a particular spot, we still need to live there for at least a short while in circumstances which approximate to what we would like to end up with. Equally, we don't want to be stuck with a six month let if we decided the place wasn't for us after all.

One thing not mentioned, unless I've missed it, is that apartments can be, and usually are noisy! The lack of carpets on the floors and the sound of high heals, clack-clacking, back and forth from the apartment above can be a big problem.
One place we rented in the summer, the people above (very nice youngsters in their 30's) were "at it" most nights at 2AM - 3AM. It was impossible to have the balcony doors open, so the A/C had to work overtime!!!
Then you can have loud music from music centers to put up with.
Long term lets are normally for 11 months only.
So PLEASE think about it very carefully!
We sold up in the U.K. invested the cash, and are renting a lovely bungalow on a golf complex. MARVELOUS!!!

John

You seem to have a very good plan. If you look for holiday lets, they rent per week and there are many to choose from. I would budget circa 150 for an appartment or a villa with a pool for 350 euros per week in high season in the Alicante region.

Just to add to your to do list! Or, a couple of things I would add...

• Visit all the places in your home you always meant to as a tourist and never got around to yet
• Get your tech sorted if you need to - eg get set up on Skype + all your family you want to speak to for free once you move.

Good luck!